Pace University students walking in front of 1 Pace Plaza in NYC.
Public Affairs

Public Affairs Team

Jerry McKinstry
AVP, Public Affairs, based in Westchester County
Phone: (914) 773-3312
Email: jmckinstry@pace.edu

Jerry McKinstry leverages his strong ties to Westchester media, government, elected officials, the business community, and local organizations for Pace University. Since joining the team in August of 2019, Jerry has helped faculty and staff secure placements in regional and national outlets. A former reporter for The Journal News, columnist for Newsday, and contributor for News 12 in Westchester, he has also worked for the Westchester County Executive’s Office and has been an adjunct journalism professor. He works closely with his New York counterparts on state and federal matters, and manages the Office of Public Affairs for Pace University.

Sean Coughlin
AVP, Government Relations and NYC Affairs
Phone: (917) 574-4544
Email: scoughlin@pace.edu

Sean Coughlin joins Pace University with extensive experience in New York City government and politics. Having most recently served as chief of staff to Council Member Erik Bottcher, Sean also acted as special assistant to Council Speaker Corey Johnson and has worked on multiple city-wide and district level campaigns. He brings a passion for communication, engagement, and cooperation to Pace University and our neighbors.

Hitasha P. Nagdeo
Manager, Government Relations and NYC Affairs
Phone: (929) 505-2260
Email: hnagdeo@pace.edu

Hitasha Nagdeo joined Pace University's Office of Public Affairs in January 2024, shortly after earning her M.S. in Social Media & Mobile Marketing from Pace University in 2023. As Manager of Government Relations and NYC Affairs, she supports the University's government relations, public funding, and external engagement priorities by working with government agencies, community organizations, and civic partners across New York City. Drawing on her extensive involvement in campus life through student leadership roles, on-campus employment, and volunteer service, Hitasha brings a strong connection to the University and a passion for building partnerships, advancing opportunities for students, and supporting Pace's mission and impact in the communities it serves.